A modern take on a timeless idea
The Palm Beach 45 is a study in understated style — a sleek, contemporary expression of the classic Downeast picnic boat. Designed for easy coastal adventures, it combines luxurious comfort with the efficiency and poise of a true performance cruiser. Measuring 16 metres (52’6”) overall, the PB45 sits perfectly between the brand’s larger yachts and its smaller, sportier models, offering a sweet spot for those who want elegance without excess.
Built in Malaysia under the direction of Australian yachtsman and designer Mark Richards, the PB45 embodies everything Palm Beach Motor Yachts stands for — precision craftsmanship, efficiency, and comfort. With a cruise speed of 28 knots and a top speed of 33 knots, it’s built for long-range day trips or weekend escapes, capable of covering 323 nautical miles while sipping fuel at just 21 gallons per hour.
Design that speaks to the sea
While its sweeping lines are immediately striking, every curve of the Palm Beach 45 serves a purpose. The hull form — a refined evolution of the brand’s signature warped-plane design — delivers soft, dry running even when conditions turn choppy. Below decks, the layout is fully customisable: choose single or double staterooms, an upper or lower galley, and a host of finishes crafted by hand.
The saloon feels bright and contemporary, thanks to large windows and precision joinery. The cockpit, meanwhile, is designed as the social heart of the boat — spacious, secure, and made for entertaining. Whether it’s a lazy day in the Bay of Islands or a quick dash across the Hauraki Gulf, the PB45 delivers performance with poise.
A brand with New Zealand appeal
New Zealanders are increasingly drawn to the Downeast-style picnic boat, a genre that blends timeless lines with functional elegance. While Hinckley Yachts in Maine first popularised the style, Palm Beach has reimagined it for modern conditions — lighter, faster, and perfectly suited to our coastal lifestyle.
For Kiwi families looking for a boat that can handle both social cruising and spirited passages, the Palm Beach 45 is a standout choice. It’s a boat that rewards good taste, rewards good seamanship — and above all, celebrates the simple pleasure of being on the water.
